Collapsible hard case for surfboards and other large objects

This application is related to and claims priority from the following US patents and patent applications. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/507,273, filed Oct. 21, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/865,910, filed Jan. 9, 2018 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,154,124, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/684,734, filed Apr. 13, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/195,501, filed Mar. 3, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,010,559, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/748,356, filed Jan. 23, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,668,104, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/224,904, filed Sep. 2, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,381,930, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/462,216, filed Jul. 31, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,066,138, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/137,560, filed Jul. 31, 2008, each of which is in incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates generally to travel cases or containers, and more particularly to a collapsible hard case for protectively transporting a large object.

Protective travel cases are generally known. By way of example, U.S. Publication 2004/0232016 provides a telescoping hard case for carrying a golf bag and U.S. Pat. No. 3,628,655 discloses a sectional, convertible wig case.

In particular, regarding surfboards, typically surfers travel to remote destinations for participating in the sport, especially for competitions, vacations, etc. Additionally, boards are shipped from manufacturers to distributors, retailers and customers using an archaic, damage prone method of cardboard, bubble wrap and duct tape packaging. There are currently no convenient methods for shipping such boards. Problematically, shipment of surfboards or transport in air cargo damages the board surface and introduces structural stresses that the boards were not designed to be exposed to. In many cases, incidental damage to boards during travel and/or transportation can functionally ruin a surfboard. In a specific circumstance, applicant's surfboard was destroyed by a baggage handler in airline transport to Hawaii from the continental US. Since boards are expensive and surfers typically prefer to use their own board rather than generic boards, especially for more advanced surfers and professionals in competition, there has been a need to provide a protective shipping case or container for surfboards.

Typically, however, containers for shipment of large objects, such as the size of a surfboard, are large and bulky. Upon safe transport of the surfboard then, the container must be stored in a correspondingly large space. Surfboards often range in length from 6-10 feet, in width between about 2-3 feet, and in depth about 3 inches.

One commercially available surfboard case offered at the time of the present invention is by Santa Monica Hard Case in California, USA. While this product provides a protective case for surfboards, it is formed of a flexible plastic that leaves the boards vulnerable to damage during transport or shipment. Also, it has limited size options and features. Furthermore, this case does not collapse into itself.

Thus there remains a need for a protective case for surfboards that also provides for convenient storage when not in use and for ease of transport when carried.

A first aspect of the present invention is to provide a collapsible protective case for large objects. The protective case includes at least one extension lock configured for locking the case in a fully expanded position for completely protectively and removably containing the large object, and to be alternatively collapsed to a collapsed position when not in use

A second aspect of the present invention is to provide an extension lock with a lock housing and a compression latch. The compression latch has a compressive component configured to descend out of the lock housing and compressingly lock the case in an extended position and to ascend into the housing when unlocked, allowing the case to telescope into a compacted configuration.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the drawings, as they support the claimed invention.

Referring now to the drawings in general, the illustrations are for the purpose of describing preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto.

The present invention provides a protective case for large objects constructed and configured to be used in expanded, intermediate and collapsed positions for completely protectively containing the object when housed, and to be alternatively configured in a collapsed position for storage of the case when not in use, i.e., when the object is not stored therewithin. More particularly, the present invention includes a collapsible protective case for large objects with a housing having a rigid, impact-resistant outer surface, the housing being formed from a multiplicity of adjoining sections that are selectively configurable between expanded, intermediate and collapsed positions.

Preferably, the rigid, impact-resistance outer surface is formed from a hard plastic or composite material that is sufficiently thick to prevent puncture or tearing and resist pressure, flexing or deformation, such that the object contained completely within the housing is protected from external forces. Varying dimensions of the outer surface depend on the object or objects being stored, the transportation conditions, and the amount of protection desired. In one embodiment, the hard plastic shell is between 1/32 and ¼ inches thick, preferably about 3/32 inches thick. In one embodiment, the case also includes at least one interior liner layer configured to contact the surfboard. In one embodiment, the interior liner layer is approximately 3 mm thick, providing for an improvement in weight efficiency compared to other surfboard cases by reducing overall weight of the liner. Some existing systems utilized a liner having a thickness of approximately 5 mm, but the 3 mm thick liner provides approximately a 32% weight reduction.

In one embodiment, illustrated by, the housing is preferably formed from two mating sections A and B for completely encasing the object or objects from either end. Sections A and B are releasably connectable and lockable at the adjoining edges that form the middle of the housing. In one embodiment, the two separated sections A and B are approximately equal in size and dimensions. As shown in, with the exception of the wheelsand end case handle, the housing is preferably symmetrical about the long axis Y and about the short axis X, in order to improve the balance of the housing in each position.

illustrate each of the two sections A and B being further comprised of subsections or cells (A-A,B-B,A-A andB-B) that are constructed and configured to be juxtapositioned in the extended position. As illustrated in the, innermost subsectionsA/B andA/B have larger dimensions that outermost end subsectionsA/B andA/B. When not being used for protectively encasing an object, these subsections collapse into each other substantially concentrically as illustrated in. In the collapsed position of, the housing of the present invention can conveniently be stored in a compact position, as illustrated by. In a preferred embodiment, each of the subsections is arranged so that the end-most subsectionsA/B andA/B collapse into the larger middle subsectionsA/B andA/B. Correspondingly, the intermediate subsections-A/B andA/B collapse between end-most subsectionsA/B andA/B and middle subsectionsA/B andA/B as shown in.

Referring to, sections A and B align longitudinally along the board length along track, which provides a notch and lock system providing a releasable securement of the subsections with respect to each other to form the rigid housing. Section A is releasably fastenable to the section B by a plurality of latches. In one embodiment, four latches are provided, as depicted in. Alternatively, two latches, one mirrored on each of two sides of the housing suffice. Alternatively, any number of latchesare positioned on subsectionA orA with corresponding latch receptorson subsectionB orB. In any embodiment the latchescan be positioned on the exterior or interior of the housing or both, and optionally include a key or code locking mechanism.

In one embodiment, a carrying case handleis attached to a side of the case for easier carrying, but is strategically placed to function as a releasable attaching latch for connecting the sections A and B. Optionally and additionally, wheelsare positioned on one section and a roller case handleon the other section for easier transport of the case and object assembly. Also, optionally, a roof rack systemA andB attached to one of the intermediate subsectionsA-A and mirrored on one of the juxtaposed subsectionsB-B is provided.

In one embodiment a liningconfigured and positioned within the interior of the housing may be provided for additional protection and impact resistance for the large object(s). The lining may include an impact-absorbing or cushioning lining, such as foam, rubber or a coating, and may be affixed to the inner surface of at least one or all of the housing subsections or may be removably affixed to the one or more subsections. Optionally and alternatively, a protective flexible inner sleevemay be used within the protective case; by way of example and not limitation, it may be independent of the housing and applied around the surfboard before the sleeve-wrapped board is inserted into the case. Preferably, the liningand/or sleevedimensions are configured to provide flexibility in accommodating large object(s) of varying sizes and dimensions. Additionally, in an embodiment wherein both a liningand sleeveare provided, the sleeve may be at least substantially waterproof, thereby providing protection to the lining, which may be susceptible to mold or rot, or, alternatively the lining may be at least substantially resistance to wear and tear, thereby minimizing damage to the lining. Alternatively, the lining and/or sleeve itself may provide similar functionality, thereby minimizing similar damage to the housing.

In one embodiment, wherein a rubber sleeveand foam lining or insert blocks J and K are provided, and wherein the large object is a surfboard, the surfboard would first be inserted into the sleeve and then the nose of the surfboard is slidingly placed into the block J at the end of subsectionA while section A of the case is in a collapsed or intermediate position. Then the surfboard is pushed into the case, and the subsectionsA-A are extended towards an expanded or intermediate position. Then the tail end of the surfboard is slidingly placed into the block K at the end of subsectionB while section B of the case is in a collapsed or intermediate position. The subsectionsB-B are then extended towards an expanded or intermediate position, thereby covering the remaining portion of the board not covered by section A. Sections A and B are attached by placing the latchesinto a closed position (or releasably locked position). Optionally, the carrying case handle is additionally closed or releasably locked using latch.

illustrates side and end views of another embodiment according to the present invention; more specifically, it shows the collapsible case in both extended and collapsed positions from a side view (extended position) and end view (collapsed position). In this embodiment, two equal sections A and B are shown, these sections being further divided into subsections-A/B. SubsectionA/B collapses into subsectionA/B and both subsectionsA/B andA/B collapse into subsectionA/B. These subsections collapse along a trackto ensure the subsections collapse and extend with ease, while the trackalso provides rigidity. In an alternative embodiment, the segments fit snugly inside each other to provide rigidity and therefore do not require a track.

Latchessecure sections A and B to each other. A wheel mechanismis used to roll the case and case handleis used for pulling or carrying the case. In embodiments of the present invention, some of the sections or subsections are removable or insertable, allowing the case to be lengthened and shortened, thereby providing maximum size flexibility.

illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, wherein at least one strapis attached to bosseslocated on the exterior of the housing sections A and B. Each strap is attached to the case with a securement mechanism, the securement mechanism preferably being a strap attachment boss, as depicted in. The strap attachment boss may be a separate piece connected to the case or integral to the outer housing manufacture. For example, and not by limitation, the bossmay be an integral feature of an injection molded section-A/B, as depicted in. Further, the strap and boss design is capable of being mirrored or duplicated on one or more other sides or sections. One embodiment of mirrored bosses is depicted in. Furthermore, the strap is comprised of any suitable material or fabric, such that the weight of the case and enclosed object(s) are capable of being lifted from a resting position without risk of tear or breakage. In a preferred embodiment, four bossesand two strapsare included in the case design, as depicted in.

In one embodiment, a strap is positioned and secured between two bosses, the two bosses equally positioned from the apexof the case. In such an embodiment, the strap is adjustable in length through the boss, such that the slack of the strap may be configured to the particular user and situation. In one embodiment, a hook-and-loop-type fastener is provided as a means of releasably attaching one end of a strap to a portion of the strap body for securing the strap in a fixed position. In another embodiment, a first boss may house a retractable cord mechanism and the other boss, being mirrored in a position across the apex on the same housing side, may house a releasable attachment mechanism. By way of example and not a limitation, the retractable cord mechanism may be similar to the mechanisms described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,740 by inventors Parker, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,381 by inventors Fahl, et al. or U.S. Publication 2011/126778 by inventor Lucy Mitchell, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, such that the excess strap remains housed within the boss and is lockable in a multiplicity of lengths. Also, by way of example and not a limitation, the releasable attachment mechanism may be a selectably releasable clasp.

In one embodiment, the strap can be adjusted to give greater slack, so that the user-transporter can place the strap over the shoulder. Alternatively, the strap can be tightened to remove any excess slack, allowing the user-transporter to carry the case by placing the strap within the grip of a hand instead of over the shoulder. As one skilled in the art would appreciate, the strap is adjustable to any length in any of the expanded, intermediate or collapsed positions, such that the case may be carried over the shoulder, with the hand, or attachable to another system, such as to a rack or over a hook. Also, according to embodiments of the present invention, wherein the case is in an intermediate or collapsed position, the strap can be configured to act as a restraining strap around the case, thereby preventing the case from accidentally expanding.

In another embodiment, wherein the case is attachable to an automobile luggage rack, the method of attaching the case to the rack includes steps of: disengaging one side of the strap from one boss, placing the case on the rack with the disengaged strap side of the housing facing down, looping the strap from the remaining attached boss around the rack, reengaging the strap to the disengaged boss, and firmly tightening the strap.

illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a case handleis affixed to at least one section of the case to aid in transportation. Preferably the case handle is centered on the case, section and/or subsection. Optionally, the case handle is riveted to the case, as depicted in. The case handleis comprised of a metal, a metal encased in rubber, or any other suitable material.

Notably, the strap attachment bossserves at least two purposes: (1) a securement mechanism for the strap, and (2) an anti-rocking mechanism for the case when in a resting position. As depicted in, the collapsible and adjoining sections create a substantially diamond-shaped silhouette when the case is viewed from the side. Because the center of the case has the greatest height at the apex, when the case is in a resting position it may have a tendency to tilt to one end or the other. A pair of strap attachment bosses, individually depicted in, when positioned on the bottom of the case, prevents the case from tilting or rocking in either direction. This advantageous feature provides stability and reduces the risk of injury or damage.

In the case of use for a surfboard, each section is about half the length of a surfboard but slightly larger to properly and protectively secure the surfboard therein when combined together. In the case of use for an asymmetrical object or objects, such as golf clubs, musical instrument, etc., the sections and subsections may remain symmetrical and either (1) inserts are provided and/or (2) the housing is configured in one of the intermediate positions to compensate for the asymmetry of the object(s) and provide protection to the object(s). In the embodiment wherein inserts are provided, at least one insert is placed in a subsection of section A or B or both. By conforming the interior of the housing to provide an improved fit to the large object or objects, whether through the use of inserts or intermediate positions or both, the large object(s) are less likely to move within the housing during transport, thereby minimizing damage or disorganization of the object(s).

illustrates an embodiment having an insert and configuring a subsection into an intermediate position to provide a better fit for the object(s), in this case golf clubs. SubsectionA is configured into intermediate positionso as to remove any excess volume from the interior of the housing when the golf clubs are housed therewithin. Additionally, golf club insertis placed within subsectionB to provide a tighter fit within this subsection, thereby minimizing the movement of the clubs during transport. As one skilled in the art would appreciate, any number of designs and configurations could be included as an insert in order to contain portions of a housed large object(s).

In another embodiment, the case includes a housing having a rigid, impact-resistant outer surface, the housing being formed from two equal halves, each half having a multiplicity of adjoining sections that are selectively configurable between an expanded transport position and a collapsed storage position; the housing being symmetrical about the long axis and about the short axis. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the housing halves have equal number of adjoining sections and the housing halves are symmetrical when in an expanded or collapsed position.

The present invention includes an extension lock to hold the subsections in an extended position.shows a perspective view of a protective case with two extension locks.show a preferred embodiment of a lock housingand lock handlefor an extension lock.shows a cut-away view of the extension lock. The extension lock is located on the distal end of a first subsection (away from the X axis, see) and is configured for locking the first subsection to a second subsection internal to the first subsection in an extended position. The extension lock, generally described as, includes a lock housingand a compression latch. The lock housing includes a screw-threaded channel. The compression latchincludes a screw-threaded shaftwith a compressive componenton the internal end and a lock handleon the external end. The screw-threaded shaft is configured to matingly engage with the screw-threaded channel of the lock housing. In a preferred embodiment, the compressive component is a cam and the compression latch is a cam latch.

shows a bottom view of a cam latchwith the camand part of the lock handlevisible. The eccentric portionof the cam is in the locked position against the internal subsection lip.also shows the locking and unlocking direction of rotation for a right-handed lock. In an alternative embodiment the eccentric surface profile becomes flat in the last 10-15 degrees of handle rotation, allowing it to engage the internal subsection lip across a wider area and increasing the force necessary to rotate the lock handle away from engagement. In this configuration the cam includes an apex, which is the termination of the flat section. The dimensions of the cam are such that the cam can rise into the channel upon unlocking rotation.

are cut-away side views of the extension lock installed.shows the extension lock in an unlocked configuration.shows the extension lock in a locked configuration.

This embodiment shows a screw-threaded shaftwith lock handleon the exterior end and camon the interior end with eccentric sectionand depth. The cam and eccentric section rotates about the axis of the lock handle and screw-threaded shaft. As the shaft is rotated down in the lock housing, the eccentric section progressively engages the proximal end of the internal subsection, progressively forcing the internal subsection distally into the extended position until the internal and external subsection lips engage. The lock handle is preferably rotated about 180 degrees to fully engage the eccentric portion with the internal subsection lip.

The cam latch is configured to descend in the lock housing (towards the Y-axis, see) and lock the internal subsection in an extended position upon rotation between about 180 degrees and about 270 degrees. Preferably the cam moves between locked and unlocked positions with about 180 degree rotation. The depth of the camis designed, constructed and configured such that it will move between locked and unlocked positions with the appropriate amount of rotation. In a preferred embodiment, the depth of the cam is approximately equal to about ½ the lead of the shaft screw-thread, such that the cam will completely move into and out of the lock housing upon about 180 degree rotation. In an alternate embodiment, the depth of the cam is about ¾ the lead of the shaft screw-thread, such that it will move between locked and unlocked positions upon about 270 degree rotation.

The locking occurs through the engagement of the internal subsection lipwith external subsection lipat the point of engagement. The engagement prevents inward travel of the internal section. The cam latch is also configured to ascend in the lock housing upon 180 degree unlocking rotation of the cam latch. In a preferred embodiment, the camis configured to move completely into the lock housing with unlocking rotation between about 180 degrees and about 270 degrees, such that the internal subsections can telescope into the external subsection and are not obstructed by the cam when the extension lock is in the unlocked position.

The cam and/or cam latch are preferably made of an impact and abrasion resistant material, preferably a metal or toughened plastic; and the surfaces of the internal subsection that contact the cam are preferably lined with an impact and abrasion-resistant material, preferably a metal or a filled/toughened plastic.

also show the engagement of two subsections.is a detailed view of area “B” of, showing the engaged internaland externalsubsection lips.

The present invention preferably includes rib reinforcements. These are transverse ribs(parallel to the X-axis) and longitudinal ribs(parallel to the Y-axis), as shown in. The rib reinforcements preferably increase the bending moment of the flat panel sections of the case, thereby increasing their bending stiffness. These ribs also assist in distributing forces acting at the extension lock into the skin of the subsection.are images showing the stress distribution as a result of an applied load at the case segment lock. The force applied on an extended case subsection is transmitted into the inboard case subsection by bearing on the cam mechanism. This load is in turn transmitted into the lock housing of the cam mechanism. The tapered shape of the lock housing slowly distributes load into the skin and ribs of the case subsection. A measured distribution of load into the relatively thin skin of the case is desired so as not to overstress the material locally.

Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. For example, as shown in, the wheels are optionally strategically placed so that they stabilize the case. In one embodiment, as shown in, the bottom of the wheels are level with the side of the case its apexwhen fully extended so that there are 3 points of rest, thus stabilizing the case when lying extended on the side. The wheels can additionally be spaced widely to advantageously act as stabilizers when the case is lying flat and extended.

In another example embodiment shown in, there are at least 2 wheels that protrude wider than the case body to prevent it from rocking. Preferably, there are 4 wheels. The wheels limit the compaction of the case, such that the end segment still telescopes in but does not go all the way inside. The compacted case can be moved around on the wheels, facilitating moving the case when compacted. Also, the wheels act as a hard stop to compressing the case and in a preferred embodiment a strap is used to tie the case closed for storage.

In a modular design embodiment, the body is operable to be separated into modular sections for compactness and portability.illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of the modular design, wherein one half of a case is composed of three sections: two identical end sectionsand one midsection. In one embodiment, the two identical end sectionsare attached to each other without a midsection. Alternatively, one end section is connected to an end cap section. End caps provide for a shorter, more compact alternative to an end section. In one embodiment, end caps are approximately a quarter of the size of end sections. In a further embodiment, end caps are approximately a third of the size of end sections. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that midsections, end caps and end sections are operable to be any length, width, and depth. Thus, the case of the present invention provides for customization of the case for a variety of applications, including being used in shipping products of various dimensions and storing skis, snowboards, skateboards, surfboards, musical instruments, and sports equipment such as golf clubs, etc. While the embodiments illustrated are substantially rectangular and cuboid (or half-cuboids), in other embodiments the sections are any concave shape, including a cube, hemisphere, ellipsoid, spheroid, or sections thereof. Midsections are preferably approximately half the length of end sections and are equal in width and depth, wherein the depth is a measurement of the vertical concavity of the section. Further embodiments include multiple midsections, each of which is operable to connect to each other laterally for one half of a case and interlock edges with vertically positioned corresponding midsections in a hollow case configuration. This configuration allows for virtually any number of extensions in length of case, wherein the length of case is controlled by the number of midsections in the configuration and the length of the midsections. In one embodiment, each midsection is about 24 inches.

illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of an end section wherein the section includes three latch positions (,,) and three keeper positions (,,) on the inside surface of the end section and positioned in an alternating sequence along the edge of the end section. The first latch positionillustrates a latch position with a latchattached and engaged to an external keeper, while the second latch positionillustrates a latch position without a latch attached. The first keeper positionillustrates a keeper position with a keeperattached and an external latchengaged to the keeper. The end section is configured such that a latch position from another segment is operable to engage the keepers (,,) and have aligned keepers for latches (,,) attached to the end segment. In alternative embodiments, the end section includes any number of latches that will securely connect two sections together. Latches are either throw latches as illustrated or any other form of latch, buckle, or clasp known in the art, including the cam lock latch of the present invention. Latches and keepers are operable to be attached to intermediary platforms in the latch and keeper positions, wherein the intermediary platforms include washers, plates, or other material supplementary to the modular section itself. In the illustrated embodiment, latches are secured through intermediary platforms with screws positioned lengthwise to the modular section and keepers are secured through intermediary platforms with screws positioned widthwise to the modular section.

Additionally,illustrates a top perspective view of a modular section wherein tabsare symmetrically positioned along the same inside edge of the end section as the latches and provide structural stability for attached modular structures. The tabsare aligned such that when an identical, second end section is attached to the end section the tabs are complimentarily alternating and symmetrical in order to prevent the end sections from buckling outwards or rotating. In a preferred embodiment, the tabs are approximately 3 inches in length and are positioned at approximately 13 inch to 18 inch intervals from each other. Preferably, there are eight (8) tabs per complimentary end section. Additionally, midsections and end caps are also constructed to have complimentary tabs, wherein the tabs are constructed in a similar manner to provide structure and stability to the case when attached.

Modular sections are connected to each other laterally through the latching and tabbing mechanisms described above. The geometry and construction of the case further allows for stacking multiple sections vertically. When stacked with concave faces towards each other, the sections form a hollow case section. When stacked with one concave face and one convex face towards each other, the aligned geometry allows for compact storage of the modular sections.

illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of the hollow case. When one section is placed on top of another with the concave faces towards each other, male and female edges of complimentary and substantially identical sections interlock and are in mating contact along the edges.illustrates a top perspective view of the male and female edges of an end section. In, the male edgeruns along a first half of the section's edge, meets at the middle of the non-latched endwith the female edge, which continues around a second half of the section's edge. With this geometry, a substantially identical second section is thus operable to be positioned in a configuration with its male and female edges securely and matingly contacting the female and male edges of the first section, respectively. The edges extend approximately 0.15 inches to 0.25 inches from the vertical surface of the section, creating an external rib.

illustrates a detail and profile view of a male edge.illustrates a detail and profile view of a female edge.illustrates a detail and profile view of mating contact between the two edgeswherein sections are joined to form the hollow case.

In alternative embodiments, the interlocking occurs through sliding a section on top of another section, through dovetail-shaped tracks, through snap-fit edges, and/or through any other alignment and positioning method known in the art of mechanical design.

Additionally, throw latches secure the mated edges in the hollow case configuration.illustrates a top perspective view of a modular section with latch positionsand keeper positionsdistributed along the external edge of the convex face of a section. Keepers are preferably formed from lateral ribsformed from male or female edges of the section.illustrates a bottom perspective view of a modular section with an exploded view of the latch positions. Dual vertical ribson either side of a latch position or a keeper position provide structural stability and protection from accidental disengagement of the latches. Holesfor a latch pinare placed at a distance from the edge of the section such that a latchis able to securely engage a keeper on a second modular section. In one embodiment, the distance between the pin and the edge is approximately 1.3 inches.illustrates a detailed exploded view of a latch position with a latch pininserted in the holes. In the illustrated embodiment, throw latches are attached to the section by the pin fed through a holein the latch. In a further embodiment, the latch snaps onto the pin. The figure further illustrates the holes for the latch pin placed on the side of the section with female edges, though in further embodiments the hole, pin, and latch are placed on the opposite, male-edge side. Latches are either throw latches as illustrated or any other form of latch, buckle, or clasp known in the art, including the cam lock latch of the present invention. Also illustrated inis a vertical tab. Vertical tabs are positioned between the vertical ribs of latch positions on sides of a section with female edges. A vertical tab is inserted into a vertical tab slot in a corresponding female latch position of another section. Tab slots are preferably on sides of sections with male edges. In a further embodiment, vertical tabs and tab slots are positioned along the edges and are not limited to a position in line with the latch position.

illustrates a detail view an assembly of a vertical latch in a latch position.